KZBlog

The New York Times has yet another article out about lifestyles of the fabulous middle class in Kazakhstan, this time on Fashion Week in Almaty.

It’s an interesting piece because it gives a view of what the upper and middle classes think about fashion. As the designer, Saida Azikhan, says usually brand names are in in Kazakhstan–and this is true even of the less rich who may not be able to afford all Prada, all the time but will pick up a piece when they can, preffering one designer piece to several cheaper bits. However, the consumer culture has obviously evolved to the point that ennui has set in, which must be a benchmark of some kind:

“Our own designers are making stylish high-quality clothes,” said Anna Kuzembayeva, a producer of the Kazakh collections. “Louis Vuitton is boring to us already, but ‘Made in Kazakhstan’ is sounding very chic.”
…“Like everyone else, I went through a phase when I thought that famous classic brands were the best, but then I got tired of Hermès”

It also gives insight into what bored housewives can do. Her husband is a gold-mining executive.I wonder how typical this is of wives of the wealthy starting little boutiques or expensive services. Another benchmark it would appear; the rich single-income family.

Finally, we see confirmation that some people can afford not only imports, but shopping trips to foreign lands:

“Now everyone is trying to find their own look, which may mean buying vintage at Portobello Road market in London or buying from original Kazakh designers.”

Certainly everyone I know who goes on a business trip to Europe or the US brings back clothing for friends and family. And there are rumors of high-level officials planning trips based on the shopping seasons. But now we know that some segment of the Kazakh population can jet set to London, Paris, New York and be hip to the latest fashions.

For a look at what is popular now, I refer to another expat’s blog entry: Outings, Architecture and Barbarella. High boots and miniskirts. Everywhere in Astana!